Container and method of manufacture

ABSTRACT

A container includes a body having opposite top and bottom walls. Opposite front and back walls each extend from the top wall to the bottom wall. Opposite first and second side walls each extend from the top wall to the bottom wall and from the front wall to the back wall. A spout extends from the top wall. A flange extends from the top wall. A handle extends from the spout to the flange.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to blow-molded containers and more particularly to plastic containers and methods for making the same for food and/or packaging, for example.

BACKGROUND

Plastic blow-molded containers are commonly used for food and/or beverage packaging products. Many food and beverage products are sold to the consuming public in blow-molded containers. These containers can be made from polyethylene terephythalate or other suitable plastic resins in a range of sizes. The empty blow-molded containers can be filled with food and/or beverage products at a fill site utilizing automated fill equipment.

For example, manufacture of such plastic blow-molded containers can include initially forming plastic resin into a preform, which may be provided by injection molding. Typically, the preform includes a mouth and a generally tubular body that terminates in a closed end. Prior to being formed into containers, preforms are softened and transferred into a mold cavity configured in the shape of a selected container. In the mold cavity, the preforms are blow-molded or stretch blow-molded and expanded into the selected container.

Plastic blow-molded containers often attempt to maximize a tradeoff between weight and strength. For example, while heavy containers that include thick walls, for example, may be quite strong, they are also costly due to the amount of material that goes into their manufacture. While modifying such containers to include less material by, using thinner walls, will decrease the cost of the container, the resulting container may not possess the required strength (e.g., top load strength) for certain applications. This disclosure describes an improvement over these prior art technologies.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, a container is provided and includes a body comprising opposite top and bottom walls. Opposite front and back walls each extend from the top wall to the bottom wall. Opposite first and second side walls each extend from the top wall to the bottom wall and from the front wall to the back wall. A spout extends from the top wall. A flange extends from the top wall. A handle extends from the spout to the flange.

In one embodiment, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, a container is provided and includes a body comprising opposite top and bottom walls. Opposite front and back walls each extend from the top wall to the bottom wall. Opposite first and second side walls each extend from the top wall to the bottom wall and from the front wall to the back wall. The body includes at least one rib extending into an outer surface of at least one of the front wall, the back wall, the first side wall and the second side wall. A spout extends from the top wall. A flange extends from the top wall. The flange includes a first end that engages the top wall and an opposite second end. The flange is tapered from the first end to the second end. A handle extends from the spout to the flange.

In one embodiment, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, a container is provided and includes a body comprising opposite top and bottom walls. Opposite front and back walls each extend from the top wall to the bottom wall. Opposite first and second side walls each extend from the top wall to the bottom wall and from the front wall to the back wall. The body includes spaced apart ribs extending into an outer surface of each of the front wall, the back wall, the first side wall and the second side wall. A spout extends from the top wall. A flange extends from the top wall. The flange includes a first end that engages the top wall and an opposite second end. The flange is tapered from the first end to the second end. A handle extends from the spout to the flange. The container has a first height from a distal surface of the bottom wall to an opposite proximal surface of the handle and a second height from the distal surface to an opposite proximal surface of the spout. The second height is greater than the first height. The second height is a maximum height of the container. The top wall defines a perimeter having a first area. The bottom wall defines a perimeter having a second area. The front wall, the back wall, the first side wall and the second side wall define a perimeter having a third area. The third area is greater than at least one of the second area and the first area. An interface between the top wall, the front wall and the first side wall defines a first planar corner of the body. The first planar corner extends at an oblique angle relative to the top wall, the front wall and the first side wall. An interface between the top wall, the front wall and the second side wall defines a second planar corner of the body. The second planar corner extends at an oblique angle relative to the top wall, the front wall and the second side wall. An interface between the top wall, the rear wall and the first side wall defines a third planar corner of the body. The third planar corner extends at an oblique angle relative to the top wall, the rear wall and the first side wall. An interface between the top wall, the rear wall and the second side wall defines a fourth planar corner of the body. The fourth planar corner extends at an oblique angle relative to the top wall, the rear wall and the second side wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will become more readily apparent from the specific description accompanied by the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the container shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the container shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the container shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the container shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the container shown in FIG. 1 ; and

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the container shown in FIG. 1 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary embodiments of blow-molded containers and more particularly, plastic containers and methods for making the same are discussed in terms of food packaging products. In some embodiments, the present container is manufactured via an injection molded preform, which is subjected to a blow mold and trim process. In some embodiments, the present container can be filled with food, food preparation oils, viscous and/or beverage products. In some embodiments, the present container can be employed as a cold fill container. In some embodiments, the present container can be employed as a hot fill container. In some embodiments, the present container is employed as a light weight, high strength packaging product.

It is envisioned that the present disclosure may be useful for manufacturers that run multiple sizes of blow and trim bottles for various end uses. For example, the present disclosure may be useful to produce containers for food items, such as, for example, dressings, sauces and peanuts. It is envisioned that the present disclosure may be useful to produce containers for food items, such as, for example, non-dairy coffee creamers that require color pigment for both fill-line concealment and product protection against UV light penetration. Other containers that can be made from the disclosed process include containers for mayonnaise, salad dressings, peanuts as well as other condiments and/or food products.

In some embodiments, the present manufacturing method provides PET enhancements via improved material orientation with selective physical performance features, such as, for example, improved top load performance, improved vacuum resistance performance and/or hoop strength, improved O₂ performance, improved moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) performance. In some embodiments, the enhancements include modifications to the manufacturing process or the addition of additives to provide a container made of PET that has a selected crystallinity, as discussed herein.

In some embodiments, the method is configured to produce a container that has a crystallinity of about 10%. In some embodiments, the method is configured to produce a container that has a crystallinity between about 15% and about 20%. In some embodiments, the preform is heated and stretched to produce a container having a crystallinity between about 18% and about 30%. In some embodiments, the preform is heated and stretched to produce a container having a crystallinity between about 20% and about 40%. In some embodiments, the preform includes a molecular weight between about 120,000 g/mol and about 240,000 g/mol. In some embodiments, the preform includes a molecular weight between about 250,000 g/mol and about 450,000 g/mol. In some embodiments, the preform comprises PET and has an axial stretch ratio of about 1.8 to 1 to about 2.4 to 1.

The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this application is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting. Also, in some embodiments, as used in the specification and including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It is also understood that all spatial references, such as, for example, horizontal, vertical, top, upper, lower, bottom, left and right, are for illustrative purposes only and can be varied within the scope of the disclosure. For example, the references “upper” and “lower” are relative and used only in the context to the other, and are not necessarily “superior” and “inferior”.

The following discussion includes a description of a container system for producing food packaging products, a container, related components and methods of manufacturing a container with an injection molded preform. Alternate embodiments are also disclosed. Reference is made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. Turning to FIGS. 1-7 , there are illustrated components of a finished blow-molded container 10.

Container 10 is constructed for use with a selected application, as described herein. In some embodiments, finished container 10 is a wide-mouth container. In some embodiments, the selected application includes food, food preparation oils, viscous and/or beverage products. It is envisioned that finished container 10 may include any size and shape and may be filled with any type of food and/or beverage. In some embodiments, finished container 10 is configured for use for applications that do not include foods and/or beverages.

In some embodiments, container 10 includes a body 12 comprising a top wall 14 and an opposite bottom wall 16. In some embodiments, container 10 and/or body 12 extend along a longitudinal axis X1 between wall 14 and wall 16. Body 12 comprises a front wall 18 and an opposite back wall 20. Walls 18, 20 each extend from wall 14 to wall 16. In some embodiments, walls 18, 20 each extend continuously from wall 14 to wall 16. Body 12 comprises a first side wall 22 and an opposite second side wall 24. Walls 22, 24 each extend from wall 14 to wall 16 and from wall 18 to wall 20. In some embodiments, walls 22, 24 each extend continuously from wall 14 to wall 16 and continuously from wall 18 to wall 20. Body 12 is formed such that inner surfaces of walls 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 define a chamber, such as, for example, a cavity 26 configured for disposal of a material, such as, for example, a liquid material and/or a solid material, as discussed herein. In some embodiments, body 12 is manufactured from a single preform that is blow molded to form container 10 such that walls 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 are monolithically and/or integrally formed. In some embodiments, container 10 is made using an extrusion blow molding process.

In some embodiments, wall 14 and/or wall 16 extend perpendicular to axis X1. In some embodiments, wall 14 and/or wall 16 may be disposed at alternate orientations, relative to axis X1, such as, for example, transverse and/or other angular orientations such as acute or obtuse, co-axial and/or may be offset or staggered. In some embodiments, wall 18, wall 20, wall 22 and/or wall 24 extend parallel to axis X1. In some embodiments, wall 18, wall 20, wall 22 and/or wall 24 may be disposed at alternate orientations, relative to axis X1, such as, for example, transverse, oblique and/or other angular orientations such as acute or obtuse and/or may be offset or staggered.

In some embodiments, wall 14 extends parallel to wall 16. In some embodiments, wall 14 may be disposed at alternate orientations, relative to wall 16, such as, for example, transverse, oblique and/or other angular orientations such as acute or obtuse and/or may be offset or staggered. In some embodiments, wall 18 extends parallel to wall 20. In some embodiments, wall 18 may be disposed at alternate orientations, relative to wall 20, such as, for example, transverse, oblique and/or other angular orientations such as acute or obtuse and/or may be offset or staggered. In some embodiments, wall 22 extends parallel to wall 24. In some embodiments, wall 22 may be disposed at alternate orientations, relative to wall 24, such as, for example, transverse, oblique and/or other angular orientations such as acute or obtuse and/or may be offset or staggered.

In some embodiments, wall 18 and/or wall 20 extends perpendicular to wall 22 and/or wall 24. In some embodiments, wall 18 and/or wall 20 may be disposed at alternate orientations, relative to wall 22 and/or wall 24, such as, for example, transverse, oblique and/or other angular orientations such as acute or obtuse and/or may be offset or staggered.

Container 10 comprises a spout 28 extending from wall 14 and an extension, such as, for example, a flange 30. Flange 30 includes an end 32 that engages wall 14 and an opposite end 34. In some embodiments, flange 30 is tapered from end 32 to end 34. Container 10 comprises a handle 36 having an end 38 that engages spout 28 an opposite end 40 that directly engages end 34 of flange 30. Spout 28 defines an opening 42 that is in communication with cavity 26 to allow contents that are stored within cavity 26 to exit container 10 through opening 42. In some embodiments, opening 42 may have various cross section configurations, such as, for example, circular, oval, oblong, triangular, rectangular, square, polygonal, irregular, uniform, non-uniform, variable, tubular and/or tapered. In some embodiments, opening 42 may be disposed at alternate orientations, relative to axis X1, such as, for example, transverse, parallel and/or other angular orientations such as, oblique, acute or obtuse, co-axial and/or may be offset or staggered. In some embodiments, such that handle 36 is spaced apart from wall 14. In some embodiments, container 10 includes a strut 45 that engages wall 14 and handle 36 to provide strength to handle 36 to prevent movement of handle 36 relative to body 12, for example.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of flange 30 and a portion of handle 36 are hollow and define a passageway 44 that is in communication with cavity 26 and opening 42 such that liquid contents in cavity 26 can travel through passageway 44 and into opening 42 as such liquid contents are being expelled from container 10 through opening 42, as discussed herein. In some embodiments wherein container 10 includes passageway 44, container 10 may include an aperture 46 between spout 28 and handle 36, as shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 6 , wherein aperture 46 is in communication with opening 42 and passageway 44 to allow liquid contents in cavity 26 to travel through passageway 44 and into opening 42 through aperture 46. In some embodiments, flange 30 and handle 36 are solid such that liquid contents in cavity 26 is prevented from moving through flange 30 and/or handle 36 as such liquid contents are being expelled from container 10 through opening 42, as discussed herein. In some embodiments, body 12 includes an indent 47 extending into an outer surface 49 of wall 14. Indent 47 is configured for disposal of the hand of a user when the user grasps handle 36 by hand. For example, intent 47 is configured for disposal of the user's fingers when the user's palm engages surface 70 of handle 36. In some embodiments, indent 47 is variously shaped, such as, for example, oval, oblong, triangular, square, rectangular, polygonal, irregular, uniform, non-uniform, offset, staggered, undulating, arcuate, variable and/or tapered.

Wall 18 includes a first portion 48 positioned between walls 14, 16 and a second portion 50 extending from portion 48 to wall 16. In some embodiments, portion 50 is tapered from portion 48 to wall 16. In some embodiments, portion 50 is continuously tapered from portion 48 to wall 16. Wall 20 includes a first portion 52 positioned between walls 14, 16 and a second portion 54 extending from portion 52 to wall 16. In some embodiments, portion 54 is tapered from portion 52 to wall 16. In some embodiments, portion 54 is continuously tapered from portion 52 to wall 16. In some embodiments, an outer surface 55 of portion 52 is flush with an outer surface 35 of flange 30, as shown in FIG. 1 . Wall 22 includes a first portion 56 positioned between walls 14, 16, a second portion 58 extending from portion 56 to wall 16 and a third portion 60 extending from portion 56 to wall 14. In some embodiments, portion 58 is tapered from portion 56 to wall 16 and portion 60 is tapered portion 58 to wall 14. In some embodiments, portion 58 is continuously tapered from portion 56 to wall 16 and portion 60 is continuously tapered portion 58 to wall 14. Wall 24 includes a first portion 62 positioned between walls 14, 16, a second portion 64 extending from portion 62 to wall 16 and a third portion 66 extending from portion 62 to wall 14. In some embodiments, portion 64 is tapered from portion 62 to wall 16 and portion 66 is tapered portion 62 to wall 14. In some embodiments, portion 62 is continuously tapered from portion 62 to wall 16 and portion 66 is continuously tapered portion 62 to wall 14.

Due to, among other things, the tapering of portions 60, 62, a perimeter defined by walls 18, 20 and interfaces between portions 60, 66 and wall 14 has an area that is less than the area of a perimeter defined by portions 48, 52, 56, 62, as shown in FIG. 6 . Likewise, due to, among other things, the tapering of portions 50, 54, 58, 64 a perimeter defined by interfaces between wall 14 and portions 50, 54, 58, 64 has an area that is less than the perimeter defined by portions 48, 52, 56, 62, as shown in FIG. 7 .

In some embodiments, container 10 is configured to be used in connection with packaging systems that use containers that are disposed in boxes, such as, for example, the packaging systems disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/525,866, filed on Sep. 25, 2006, which published as U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0073317 on Mar. 27, 2008, and is expressly incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety. In some embodiments, to accommodate the use of container with boxes, container 10 has a first height H1 that is defined by a distance from a distal surface 68 of wall 16 to an opposite proximal surface 70 of handle 36 and a second height H2 that is defined by a distance from surface 68 to an opposite proximal surface 72 of spout 28 such that height H2 is greater than height H1, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 , for example. This allows a top portion of spout 28, such as, for example, 72 to protrude outside of a box while handle 36 and flange 30 are disposed in the box. In some embodiments, height H2 is a maximum height of container 10. In some embodiments, surface 68, surface 70 and/or surface 72 extend perpendicular to axis X1. In some embodiments, surface 68, surface 70 and/or surface 72 may be disposed at alternate orientations, relative to axis X1, such as, for example, transverse, oblique and/or other angular orientations such as acute or obtuse, and/or may be offset or staggered.

An interface between walls 14, 18, 22 defines a planar corner 74 of body 12. In some embodiments, corner 74 extends at an oblique angle relative to the axis X1 and/or walls 14, 18, 22. An interface between walls 14, 18, 24 defines a planar corner 76 of body 12. In some embodiments, corner 76 extends at an oblique angle relative to the axis X1 and/or walls 14, 18, 24. An interface between walls 14, 20, 22 defines a planar corner 78 of body 12. In some embodiments, corner 78 extends at an oblique angle relative to the axis X1 and/or walls 14, 20, 22. An interface between walls 14, 20, 24 defines a planar corner 80 of body 12. In some embodiments, corner 80 extends at an oblique angle relative to the axis X1 and/or walls 14, 20, 24.

In some embodiments, container 10 includes an arcuate portion 74 a that extends 360 degrees about corner 74, an arcuate portion 76 a that extends 360 degrees about corner 76, an arcuate portion 78 a that extends 360 degrees about corner 78 and an arcuate portion 80 a that extends 360 degrees about corner 80. That is, while corners 74, 76, 78, 80 are each planar, portion 74 a provides a curved portion between corner 74 and planar portions of walls 14, 18, 22; portion 76 a provides a curved portion between corner 76 and planar portions of walls 14, 18, 24; portion 78 a provides a curved portion between corner 78 and planar portions of walls 14, 20, 22; and portion 80 provides a curved portion between corner 80 a and planar portions of walls 14, 20, 24.

In some embodiments, spout 28 comprises a section 82 that directly engages wall 14, a section 84 extending from section 82 and a section 86 extending from section 84. Section 84 has a width W1 that is greater than a width W2 of section 82 and a width W3 of section 86, as shown in FIG. 3 , for example. In some embodiments, section 86 includes a threaded outer surface 88 and defines opening 42. Surface 88 is configured for engagement with a threaded cap, for example, to couple the cap to container 10 in a manner that prevents the contents of cavity 26 from spilling from container 10. In some embodiments, section 84, having the greatest width of spout 28 defines a strengthened portion of spout 28 that directly engages end 38 of handle 36 to form a strong connection between handle 36 and spout 28. In some embodiments, end 38 engages only section 84 of spout 28 such that end 38 is spaced apart from sections 82, 86.

Container 10 includes a projection 90 having an end 92 that extends outwardly from wall 14 and an opposite end 94 that engages section 84 of spout 28, as shown in FIG. 3 , for example. End 94 is positioned proximal relative to wall 14. Projection 90 includes an outer surface 96 that is flush with portion 48 of wall 18 such that projection 90 adds strength to spout 28 to prevent spout from collapsing, for example. In some embodiments, projection 90 has a width W4 that is less than width W1, width W2 and width W3. In some embodiments, projection 90 is monolithically and/or integrally formed with wall 24 and/or spout 28. In some embodiments, projection 90 has a uniform width along the entire length of projection 90.

In some embodiments, wall 14 is angled relative to axis X1, as shown in FIG. 3 , for example. In some embodiments, a section 14 a of wall 14 extends at an angle α relative to axis X1 from projection 90 to wall 22 and a section 14 b of wall 14 extends at an angle β relative to axis X1 from projection 90 to wall 24. In some embodiments, angles α, β are acute angles. In some embodiments, angle α is equal to angle β. In some embodiments, angles α, β are each between about 35 degrees and about 85 degrees. In some embodiments, angles α, β are each between about 45 degrees and about 75 degrees. In some embodiments, angles α, β are each about 45 degrees. In some embodiments, angles α, β are each about 50 degrees. In some embodiments, angles α, β are each about 55 degrees. In some embodiments, angles α, β are each about 60 degrees. In some embodiments, angles α, β are each about 65 degrees. In some embodiments, angles α, β are each about 70 degrees. In some embodiments, angles α, β are each about 75 degrees. In some embodiments, angles α, β are each about 80 degrees. In some embodiments, angles α, β are each about 85 degrees.

In some embodiments, body 12 includes a planar vertical rail 98 between walls 18, 22. Rail 98 extends from wall 16 to portion 74 a and is positioned between a planar segment 100 of wall 18 and a planar segment 102 of wall 22. Segments 100, 102 each extend from wall 16 to portion 74 a such that segment 100 extends at an acute angle relative to planar portion 48 of wall 18, segment 102 extends at an acute angle relative to planar portion 56 of wall 22 and rail 98 extends at an acute angle relative to portions 48, 56 and segments 100, 102. In some embodiments, rail 98 and segments 100, 102 extend parallel to one another. In some embodiments, at least one of rail 98 and segments 100, 102 extends parallel to axis X1. In some embodiments, rail 98, segments 100 and/or segment 102 may be disposed at alternate orientations, relative to axis X1, such as, for example, transverse, oblique and/or other angular orientations such as acute or obtuse, co-axial and/or may be offset or staggered.

In some embodiments, body 12 includes a planar vertical rail 104 between walls 18, 24. Rail 104 extends from wall 16 to portion 76 a and is positioned between a planar segment 106 of wall 18 and a planar segment 108 of wall 24. Segments 106, 108 each extend from wall 16 to portion 74 a such that segment 106 extends at an acute angle relative to planar portion 48 of wall 18, segment 108 extends at an acute angle relative to planar portion 62 of wall 24 and rail 104 extends at an acute angle relative to portions 48, 62 and segments 106, 108. In some embodiments, rail 104 and segments 106, 108 extend parallel to one another. In some embodiments, at least one of rail 104 and segments 106, 108 extends parallel to axis X1. In some embodiments, rail 104, segments 106 and/or segment 108 may be disposed at alternate orientations, relative to axis X1, such as, for example, transverse, oblique and/or other angular orientations such as acute or obtuse, co-axial and/or may be offset or staggered.

In some embodiments, body 12 includes a planar vertical rail 110 between walls 20, 22. Rail 110 extends from wall 16 to portion 78 a and is positioned between a planar segment 112 of wall 20 and a planar segment 114 of wall 22. Segments 112, 114 each extend from wall 16 to portion 78 a such that segment 112 extends at an acute angle relative to planar portion 52 of wall 20, segment 114 extends at an acute angle relative to planar portion 56 of wall 22 and rail 110 extends at an acute angle relative to portions 52, 56 and segments 112, 114. In some embodiments, rail 110 and segments 112, 114 extend parallel to one another. In some embodiments, at least one of rail 110 and segments 112, 114 extends parallel to axis X1. In some embodiments, rail 110, segments 112 and/or segment 114 may be disposed at alternate orientations, relative to axis X1, such as, for example, transverse, oblique and/or other angular orientations such as acute or obtuse, co-axial and/or may be offset or staggered.

In some embodiments, body 12 includes a planar vertical rail 116 between walls 20, 24. Rail 116 extends from wall 16 to portion 80 a and is positioned between a planar segment 118 of wall 20 and a planar segment 120 of wall 24. Segments 118, 120 each extend from wall 16 to portion 80 a such that segment 118 extends at an acute angle relative to planar portion 52 of wall 20, segment 120 extends at an acute angle relative to planar portion 62 of wall 24 and rail 116 extends at an acute angle relative to portions 52, 62 and segments 118, 120. In some embodiments, rail 116 and segments 118, 120 extend parallel to one another. In some embodiments, at least one of rail 116 and segments 118, 120 extends parallel to axis X1. In some embodiments, rail 116, segments 118 and/or segment 120 may be disposed at alternate orientations, relative to axis X1, such as, for example, transverse, oblique and/or other angular orientations such as acute or obtuse, co-axial and/or may be offset or staggered.

In some embodiments, body 12 includes a notch 122 extending into an outer surface of portion 50 of wall 18 and a notch 124 extending into an outer surface of portion 54 of wall 20 such that notch 124 is aligned with notch 122. Notch 124 is connected to notch 122 by a channel 126 that extends continuously from notch 122 to notch 124, as shown in FIG. 7 , for example. In some embodiments, notches 122, 124 each have a width W8 that is greater than a width W9 of channel 126. In some embodiments, channel 126 has a uniform width continuously from notch 122 to notch 124.

In some embodiments, body 12 includes one or a plurality of recesses 128 each extending into an outer surface of portion 56 of wall 22 and into an outer surface of portion 58 of wall 22. In particular, recesses 128 each have an end 130 extending into the outer surface of portion 56 of wall 22 and an opposite end 132 extending into the outer surface of portion 58 of wall 22, as shown in FIG. 2 , for example. In some embodiments, recesses 128 terminate proximal of wall 16 such that recesses 128 are spaced apart from wall 16. In some embodiments, body 12 includes three recesses 128. In some embodiments, recesses 128 are uniformly spaced apart. In some embodiments, recesses 128 each extend parallel to axis X1. In some embodiments, one or more of recesses 128 may be disposed at alternate orientations, relative to axis X1, such as, for example, transverse, oblique and/or other angular orientations such as acute or obtuse, co-axial and/or may be offset or staggered.

In some embodiments, body 12 includes one or a plurality of recesses 134 each extending into an outer surface of portion 62 of wall 24 and into an outer surface of portion 64 of wall 24. In particular, recesses 134 each have an end 136 extending into the outer surface of portion 62 of wall 24 and an opposite end 138 extending into the outer surface of portion 64 of wall 24, as shown in FIG. 4 , for example. In some embodiments, recesses 134 terminate proximal of wall 16 such that recesses 134 are spaced apart from wall 16. In some embodiments, body 12 includes three recesses 134. In some embodiments, recesses 134 are uniformly spaced apart. In some embodiments, recesses 134 each extend parallel to axis X1. In some embodiments, one or more of recesses 134 may be disposed at alternate orientations, relative to axis X1, such as, for example, transverse, oblique and/or other angular orientations such as acute or obtuse, co-axial and/or may be offset or staggered.

As discussed above, container 10 includes strengthening features to provide container 10 with strength, in at least one aspect, such as, for example, top load strength that is the same or greater than containers with similar structures that are heavier than container 10, yet lack such strengthening features. That is, due to the strengthening features of container 10, container 10 may be manufactured using less material than similar containers that lack such strengthening features, yet still maintain a strength that is the same or greater than similar containers that lack such strengthening features. For example, in some embodiments, flange 30 is tapered to provided additional strength to container. Indeed, flange 30 is tapered from end 32 to end 34, as discussed above. In some embodiments, end 32 has a width W5 that is greater than a width W6 of end 34, as shown in FIG. 5 , for example. In some embodiments, widths W5, W6 are greater than a width W7 of handle 36, as shown in FIG. 6 , for example.

In some embodiments, container 10 includes strengthening features in place of or in addition to the tapering of flange 30. For example, in some embodiments, container 10 includes one or a plurality of ribs 140 extending along at least one of walls 18, 20, 22, 24. In some embodiments, ribs 140 each extend outwardly from an outer surface of at least one of walls 18, 20, 22, 24. In some embodiments, ribs 140 are grooves that each extend into the outer surface of at least one of walls 18, 20, 22, 24. In some embodiments, each of walls 18, 20, 22, 24 includes two spaced apart ribs 140. In some embodiments, body 12 includes two spaced apart ribs 140 in portion 48 of wall 18, two spaced apart ribs 140 in portion 52 of wall 20, two spaced apart ribs 140 in portion 56 of wall 22 and two spaced apart ribs 140 in portion 62 of wall 24. In some embodiments, the ribs 140 of a respective one of walls 18, 20, 22, 24 are aligned with one another along axis X1 such that each of the ribs 140 begins at the same point along axis X1 and terminates along the same point along axis X1. In some embodiments, recesses 128 are positioned between two spaced apart ribs 140 on portion 56 of wall 22. In some embodiments, recesses 134 are positioned between two spaced apart ribs 140 on portion 62 of wall 24. In some embodiments, ribs 140 each extend parallel to axis X1. In some embodiments, ribs 140 may be disposed at alternate orientations, relative to axis X1, such as, for example, transverse, oblique and/or other angular orientations such as acute or obtuse, co-axial and/or may be offset or staggered. In some embodiments, ribs 140 each include a linear portion 142 positioned between opposite rounded ends 144, 146 to provide ribs 140 with an oblong shape.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplification of the various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A container comprising: a body comprising opposite top and bottom walls, opposite front and back walls each extending from the top wall to the bottom wall, and opposite first and second side walls each extending from the top wall to the bottom wall and from the front wall to the back wall; a spout extending from the top wall; a flange extending from the top wall; and a handle extending from the spout to the flange.
 2. The container recited in claim 1, wherein the flange includes a first end that engages the top wall and an opposite second end, the flange being tapered from the first end to the second end.
 3. The container recited in claim 1, wherein the body includes a rib extending into an outer surface of at least one of the front wall, the back wall, the first side wall and the second side wall.
 4. The container recited in claim 1, wherein the body includes spaced apart ribs extending into an outer surface of at least one of the front wall, the back wall, the first side wall and the second side wall.
 5. The container recited in claim 1, wherein the body extends along a longitudinal axis from the top wall to the bottom wall, the body including spaced apart ribs extending into an outer surface of at least one of the front wall, the back wall, the first side wall and the second side wall, the ribs each extending parallel to the longitudinal axis.
 6. The container recited in claim 1, wherein the body extends along a longitudinal axis from the top wall to the bottom wall, the body including spaced apart ribs extending into an outer surface of each of the front wall, the back wall, the first side wall and the second side wall, the ribs each extending parallel to the longitudinal axis.
 7. The container recited in claim 1, wherein: an interface between the top wall, the front wall and the first side wall defines a first planar corner of the body; an interface between the top wall, the front wall and the second side wall defines a second planar corner of the body; an interface between the top wall, the rear wall and the first side wall defines a third planar corner of the body; and an interface between the top wall, the rear wall and the second side wall defines a fourth planar corner of the body.
 8. The container recited in claim 1, wherein: an interface between the top wall, the front wall and the first side wall defines a first planar corner of the body, the first planar corner extending at an oblique angle relative to the top wall, the front wall and the first side wall; an interface between the top wall, the front wall and the second side wall defines a second planar corner of the body, the second planar corner extending at an oblique angle relative to the top wall, the front wall and the second side wall; an interface between the top wall, the rear wall and the first side wall defines a third planar corner of the body, the third planar corner extending at an oblique angle relative to the top wall, the rear wall and the first side wall; and an interface between the top wall, the rear wall and the second side wall defines a fourth planar corner of the body, the fourth planar corner extending at an oblique angle relative to the top wall, the rear wall and the second side wall.
 9. The container recited in claim 1, wherein the container has a first height from a distal surface of the bottom wall to an opposite proximal surface of the handle and a second height from the distal surface to an opposite proximal surface of the spout, the second height being greater than the first height.
 10. The container recited in claim 9, wherein the second height is a maximum height of the container.
 11. The container recited in claim 1, wherein the spout comprises a first portion that directly engages the top wall and a second portion extending from the first portion, the body including a projection having a first end that engages a proximal end of the front wall and an opposite second end that engages the second portion.
 12. The container recited in claim 11, wherein the second portion has a width that is greater than a width of the first portion.
 13. The container recited in claim 1, wherein the spout comprises a first portion that directly engages the top wall, a second portion extending from the first portion and a third portion extending from the second portion, the second portion has a width that is greater than a width of the first portion and a width of the third portion.
 14. The container recited in claim 13, wherein the third portion includes a threaded outer surface and defines an opening that is in communication with an interior of the body.
 15. The container recited in claim 1, wherein: the top wall defines a perimeter having a first area; the bottom wall defines a perimeter having a second area; and the front wall, the back wall, the first side wall and the second side wall define a perimeter having a third area, the third area being greater than at least one of the second area and the first area.
 16. The container recited in claim 1, wherein: the front wall includes a first portion positioned between the top and bottom walls and a second portion extending from the first portion to the bottom wall, the second portion being tapered from the first portion to the bottom wall; the back wall includes a first portion positioned between the top and bottom walls and a second portion extending from the first portion of the back wall to the bottom wall, the second portion of the back wall being tapered from the first portion of the back wall to the bottom wall; the first side wall includes a first portion positioned between the top and bottom walls, a second portion extending from the first portion to the top wall and a third portion extending from the first portion to the bottom wall, the second portion of the first side wall being tapered from the first portion to the top wall, the third portion being tapered from the first portion of the first side wall to the bottom wall; the second side wall includes a first portion positioned between the top and bottom walls, a second portion extending from the first portion to the top wall and a third portion extending from the first portion to the bottom wall, the second portion of the second side wall being tapered from the first portion of the second side wall to the top wall, the third portion of the second side wall being tapered from the first portion of the second side wall to the bottom wall.
 17. The container recited in claim 16, wherein the body includes a first recess extending into the first portion of the first side wall and the third portion of the first side wall and a second recess extending into the first portion of the second side wall and the third portion of the second side wall.
 18. The container recited in claim 16, wherein the body includes a recess extending into the third portion of the first side wall, the third portion of the second side wall and the bottom wall.
 19. A container comprising: a body comprising opposite top and bottom walls, opposite front and back walls each extending from the top wall to the bottom wall, and opposite first and second side walls each extending from the top wall to the bottom wall and from the front wall to the back wall, the body includes at least one rib extending into an outer surface of at least one of the front wall, the back wall, the first side wall and the second side wall; a spout extending from the top wall; a flange extending from the top wall, the flange includes a first end that engages the top wall and an opposite second end, the flange being tapered from the first end to the second end; and a handle extending from the spout to the flange such that the handle is spaced apart from the top wall.
 20. A container comprising: a body comprising opposite top and bottom walls, opposite front and back walls each extending from the top wall to the bottom wall, and opposite first and second side walls each extending from the top wall to the bottom wall and from the front wall to the back wall, the body includes spaced apart ribs extending into an outer surface of each of the front wall, the back wall, the first side wall and the second side wall; a spout extending from the top wall; a flange extending from the top wall, the flange includes a first end that engages the top wall and an opposite second end, the flange being tapered from the first end to the second end; and a handle extending from the spout to the flange such that the handle is spaced apart from the top wall, wherein the container has a first height from a distal surface of the bottom wall to an opposite proximal surface of the handle and a second height from the distal surface to an opposite proximal surface of the spout, the second height being greater than the first height, the second height being a maximum height of the container, wherein the top wall defines a perimeter having a first area, the bottom wall defining a perimeter having a second area, the front wall, the back wall, the first side wall and the second side wall defining a perimeter having a third area, the third area being greater than at least one of the second area and the first area, wherein an interface between the top wall, the front wall and the first side wall defines a first planar corner of the body, the first planar corner extending at an oblique angle relative to the top wall, the front wall and the first side wall, wherein an interface between the top wall, the front wall and the second side wall defines a second planar corner of the body, the second planar corner extending at an oblique angle relative to the top wall, the front wall and the second side wall, wherein an interface between the top wall, the rear wall and the first side wall defines a third planar corner of the body, the third planar corner extending at an oblique angle relative to the top wall, the rear wall and the first side wall, and wherein an interface between the top wall, the rear wall and the second side wall defines a fourth planar corner of the body, the fourth planar corner extending at an oblique angle relative to the top wall, the rear wall and the second side wall. 